Swallowing air is known as aerophagia. If we eat or drink quickly or chew gum, it can result in the swallowing of air. This condition holds air in the stomach or intestine, it disturbs the abdomen and helps form gas in the stomach. Let’s discuss more about swallowing air and its causes.
Causes of swallowing air into the body:
Mouth breathing
Mouth breathing is one of the common causes of swallowing air. If an individual breathes through the mouth instead of the nose during eating or while doing any other physical activity, air enters the digestive tract easily. This happens because only the nose can regulate airflow, not the mouth. People who have nasal congestion or habits like sleeping with their mouths open can end up swallowing air into the body.
This makes swallowing air more frequent and causes bloating. Swallowing air and bloating are interconnected because bloating is triggered by air in the digestive tract.
Nervousness
During anxiety, we will not realize the swallowing of air. Nervousness and anxiety can increase the speed of breathing or cause irregular breathing, this makes it a chance to take air. The habits, like sighing, gulping, or excessive discomfort, will be associated with swallowing air. If you are facing this cause, Consult the best gastroenterologist in Coimbatore for advanced treatment, which can improve the recovery process.
Medical conditions
Medical conditions can also contribute to swallowing air. Conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) make people swallow more air due to abnormal digestion or discomfort. Some of the medical conditions like sleep apnea, sinus infection, and other respiratory problems can cause mouth breathing, which leads to swallowing air.
Eating or drinking quickly
If someone eats or drinks too quickly and if they don’t chew food properly, it increases the risk of swallowing air. The faster the intake, the higher the chance of trapping swallowed air in the stomach, and it causes both swallowing air and gas problems.
Talking while eating
If an individual speaks with food inside the mouth, their airways open repeatedly and make it more possible to swallow air. The air will enter the digestive tract easily while talking. The continuous talking while eating resulted in frequent swallowing of air.
Does swallowing air cause stomach pain?
Yes, swallowing causes stomach pain. If extra air enters your digestive system and is trapped in your stomach or intestine, it causes stomach pain. The stomach will start to stretch if too much gas builds up, which causes discomfort and pain. This air occupies space in the stomach, leading to bloating, a feeling of fullness, or sharp pain. It creates a feeling of a burp to release the trapped air.
How can we reduce swallowing air?
It can be reduced by eating and drinking slowly. Gulping air can be caused by rushing meals. We can lessen trapped gas in the stomach by avoiding talking while chewing and drinking through a straw . These conditions can bring extra air into your digestive tract. Beverages like soda or sparkling water release gas when they are consumed. So limiting these drinks prevents gas formation in the stomach. Smoking is also a major cause of swallowing air.
Be mindful of mouth breathing, especially during sleeping and exercise, which can reduce swallowing air. Visit the best gastro hospital in Coimbatore if you feel like you are facing this issue to get clear knowledge about it.
What are the effects of chronic aerophagia?
It can be affected physically and emotionally. Excessive bloating is a common symptom. Chronic aerophagia causes visible swelling, a feeling of fullness, and discomfort even without eating large amounts. Frequent burping and flatulence are other common causes. Sometimes gas in the stomach can cause sharp abdominal pains or symptoms of other gastrointestinal issues. It affects medical tests and causes confusion in diagnosis. It also disturbs normal digestion function.
What are the foods that can trigger bloating?
The digestion capacity of the food and the gas they produce in the stomach and intestine can cause bloating. Bloating can be triggered by water retention, excess gas, and slow digestion. The foods that trigger it are
- Beans and lentils are rich in fibre, and that can cause gas during digestion.
- Broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage can lead to gas formation.
- Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt may cause bloating in individuals who are lactose intolerant.
- Whole grains like wheat, oats, and barley are high in fiber, which leads to temporary bloating.
- Fried foods slow down the process of digestion and cause the formation of gas.
- Bloating can also be caused by onion and garlic.
Conclusion
In conclusion, lifestyle changes like avoiding the triggering foods and proper medical checkups can improve the recovery process. Chewing food properly can avoid bloating. If you face stomach pain because of swallowing air, please consult the doctor and get proper treatment to avoid further complications.